HS code · 4-digit heading
HS Code 29.31 – Other organo-inorganic compounds
What HS 29.31 covers
Heading 2931 encompasses 'Other organo-inorganic compounds' within Chapter 29 of the Harmonized System, specifically focusing on organic compounds that contain at least one atom of a metal or of one of the non-metals (excluding hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, carbon, silicon, phosphorus, arsenic, and boron when these are already covered in specific headings like 2920 or 2930, or are part of the organic backbone). This is a broad, residual category for organo-inorganic compounds not specified elsewhere in Chapter 29. It includes organometallic compounds (where a metal atom is directly bonded to carbon), and organo-non-metallic compounds where the non-metal is not one of the more commonly classified elements. The scope is critical for distinguishing these complex chemicals from purely organic compounds (other headings in Chapter 29), purely inorganic compounds (Chapter 28), or mixtures/formulations (Chapter 38). For example, organotin compounds, organolithium reagents, Grignard reagents, and certain organosilicon compounds (if their primary character is organic and not covered by 2920) fall here. Their applications are vast, ranging from catalysts in polymerization and organic synthesis, stabilizers in plastics, agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, to specialty materials in electronics. Accurate classification is crucial for trade compliance, determining correct duties, ensuring adherence to environmental regulations (e.g., for heavy metals), and facilitating international commerce in high-value chemical intermediates and specialty chemicals. This heading's 'other' nature signifies its role as a catch-all for novel or less common organo-inorganic structures.
- Covers
- Organotin compounds
- Tributyltin oxide (TBTO)
- Grignard reagents
- Organolithium compounds
- Ferrocene
- Cyclopentadienyliron dicarbonyl dimer
- Tetraethyl lead (historical)
- Organomagnesium compounds
- Organozinc compounds
- Organocopper reagents
- Certain organosilicon compounds (e.g., alkylsilanes, if not elsewhere specified)
- Organoboron compounds (e.g., triethylborane)
- Organoaluminum compounds (e.g., triethylaluminum)
- Certain metal acetylacetonates
- Tetramethyltin
- Diethylzinc
- Methylmagnesium bromide
- Butyllithium
- Trimethylgallium
- Examples
A German chemical manufacturer exports several tons of tributyltin oxide (TBTO) to a PVC stabilizer producer in China, utilized for its biocidal properties in industrial applications. This shipment travels via ocean freight through the Suez Canal. An American pharmaceutical company imports specific organolithium reagents, such as n-Butyllithium, from a specialty chemical supplier in Japan for use as a strong base and nucleophile in drug synthesis. The reagents are transported under strict hazardous material regulations via air cargo. An Indian agrochemical company exports ferrocene derivatives to Brazil, where they are used as intermediates in the synthesis of fungicides and herbicides, typically shipped in drums via container vessels.
Subheadings under 29.31 17
Codes often confused with 29.31
Common mistake. A common mistake is confusing Heading 2931 with other specific organic compounds in Chapter 29 if the 'inorganic' component is overlooked, or with Chapter 28 (inorganic chemicals) if the 'organo' part is disregarded. For instance, a complex organosilicon compound might be misclassified under 2920 (esters of inorganic acids) or even 2809 (silicon dioxide), when its predominant organic character and specific structure dictate 2931. Another frequent error is classifying formulated products or mixtures containing these compounds under 2931, instead of Chapter 38 (Miscellaneous chemical products), which covers prepared reagents or mixtures. For example, a catalyst mixture containing an organometallic compound should be in Chapter 38, while the pure organometallic compound belongs in 2931.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 2931, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 2931 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 40% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 17% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $2.9B 40% of world exports
- 2 United States $1.4B 19% of world exports
- 3 Germany $676M 9.4% of world exports
World total: $7.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $1.2B 17% of world imports
- 2 Brazil $586M 8.1% of world imports
- 3 China $483M 6.7% of world imports
World total: $7.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Questions about HS 29.31
What is HS code 2931?
HS code 2931 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Other organo-inorganic compounds. Heading 2931 encompasses 'Other organo-inorganic compounds' within Chapter 29 of the Harmonized System, specifically focusing on organic compounds that contain at least one atom of a metal or of one of the non-metals (excluding hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, carbon, silicon, phosphorus, arsenic, and boron when these are already covered in specific headings like 2920 or 2930, or are part of the organic backbone). This is a broad, residual category for organo-inorganic compounds not specified elsewhere in Chapter 29. It includes organometallic compounds (where a metal atom is directly bonded to carbon), and organo-non-metallic compounds where the non-metal is not one of the more commonly classified elements. The scope is critical for distinguishing these complex chemicals from purely organic compounds (other headings in Chapter 29), purely inorganic compounds (Chapter 28), or mixtures/formulations (Chapter 38). For example, organotin compounds, organolithium reagents, Grignard reagents, and certain organosilicon compounds (if their primary character is organic and not covered by 2920) fall here. Their applications are vast, ranging from catalysts in polymerization and organic synthesis, stabilizers in plastics, agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, to specialty materials in electronics. Accurate classification is crucial for trade compliance, determining correct duties, ensuring adherence to environmental regulations (e.g., for heavy metals), and facilitating international commerce in high-value chemical intermediates and specialty chemicals. This heading's 'other' nature signifies its role as a catch-all for novel or less common organo-inorganic structures.
What products fall under HS code 2931?
Organotin compounds, Tributyltin oxide (TBTO), Grignard reagents, Organolithium compounds, Ferrocene, Cyclopentadienyliron dicarbonyl dimer, Tetraethyl lead (historical), Organomagnesium compounds, Organozinc compounds, Organocopper reagents, Certain organosilicon compounds (e.g., alkylsilanes, if not elsewhere specified), Organoboron compounds (e.g., triethylborane), Organoaluminum compounds (e.g., triethylaluminum), Certain metal acetylacetonates, Tetramethyltin, Diethylzinc, Methylmagnesium bromide, Butyllithium, Trimethylgallium
What are common misclassifications for HS code 2931?
A common mistake is confusing Heading 2931 with other specific organic compounds in Chapter 29 if the 'inorganic' component is overlooked, or with Chapter 28 (inorganic chemicals) if the 'organo' part is disregarded. For instance, a complex organosilicon compound might be misclassified under 2920 (esters of inorganic acids) or even 2809 (silicon dioxide), when its predominant organic character and specific structure dictate 2931. Another frequent error is classifying formulated products or mixtures containing these compounds under 2931, instead of Chapter 38 (Miscellaneous chemical products), which covers prepared reagents or mixtures. For example, a catalyst mixture containing an organometallic compound should be in Chapter 38, while the pure organometallic compound belongs in 2931.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 2931?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 2931 in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.9B, 40% of world exports), the United States ($1.4B) and Germany ($676M). World exports came to about $7.2B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 2931?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 2931 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.2B, 17% of world imports), Brazil ($586M) and China ($483M). World imports came to about $7.3B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
How is HS code 2931 structured?
HS code 2931 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 29 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (29) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (31) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.